Thursday, July 30, 2009

The 20 per cent water cut, imposed in the Pimpri-Chinchwad township on July 7, is likely to be withdrawn in a few days.

Additional municipal commissioner Subhash Dumbre told TOI on Tuesday that the Pavana dam has 76 per cent water storage at present. 'If the water level reaches 80 per cent of the total capacity, then we can think of withdrawing the water cut.'

The 20 per cent water cut was imposed on July 7, when the Pavana dam was left with water for just 80 days. Before the cut, the PCMC used to lift 367 MLD water from the river at Ravet. Now it lifts 297 MLD water.To read more, please, visit - The Times of India

In order to facilitate the assesses, income tax offices will remain open till 8 pm on July 30 and 31. July 31 is the last date for the income tax assesses of non-audit section to file returns.

The income tax officers clarified that PAN number was a must for filing returns and no return will be accepted without a PAN number. Fine worth Rs 10,000 will be imposed on the assessee who will mention wrong Pan number in the return. indianexpress.com

1. What is Credai's position on builders who have not revealed "water affidavits" to their clients (as has been clearly stipulated in them and mentioned by the city engineer)?

2. Has Credai/ PBAP done anything to create awareness amongst home buyers about these affidavits? Has it instructed its members to be transparent about the affidavits?

3. Property buyers feel cheated that they have to pay taxes to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and also pay for water tankers. What does Credai have to say about this situation?

DNA also sought Credai-Pune's opinion on what kind of action should be taken by the PMC against errant builders who have neither shouldered the responsibility of water, nor given a copy of the affidavit to home buyers.

Funds for development are scarce and infrastructure follows population unlike developed economies where infrastructure comes first and then people follow.

This approach while ideal, costs thousands of crores — crores that developing economies do not have.

As a result, people move in first and roads, street lights, water and other civic amenities follow.

This is a pattern we have seen for many years and while this is not an ideal model, it is a model that works.

Credai-Pune and its members have come forward on many occasions to support the city in infrastructure development.

For example, developers undertake water line development works based on the size of their projects even though this is not mandated under the law.

Affidavits for the water supply were necessitated as a stopgap arrangement (till the PMC made arrangements for water connections) at a time when the Development Plan (DP) for Pune was just envisaged and funds were not available to implement the large infrastructure projects needed to cater to the increased city (on account of the newly merged villages).

Developers were expected to put in place the necessary infrastructure arrangement for the water supply in their projects.

Subsequently, given the efforts that have gone in to lay out infrastructure (including water supply networks) with funds from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and own budgetary provisions, the PMC has put in place substantial infrastructure that is expected to solve the problem of the city - Credai-Pune is confident that requisite infrastructure in the city will be in place shortly.

Fortunately, the risk of serious problems caused by the unprecedented situation of lack of rain has been eliminated with the substantial rainfall in the recent past.

We believe this is a time to take a pragmatic approach and focus on solutions rather than indulge in a finger pointing exercise.

While the responsibility to provide civic amenities rests with the civic authority, it is important for citizens to recognize the challenges and participate on a proactive and supportive basis so as to have a positive environment.

People move in first; roads, water follow - and your property appreciates!

Isn't it profitable for the property buyers to have no infrastructure when you book the flat? As area starts developing, your real estate investment goes on appreciating!

This is the fundamental principal of the real estate investment which all property buyers and real estate investors in Pune learn, believe and follow. Like all other secrets of real estate investment. For example, investing in the property which is close to your place of work...Wakad Pune, 5 minutes from Hinjewadi...walk to work....Blue Ridge and Megapolis!

So, be thankful to all builders in Pune for creating the profitable real estate investment opportunity by starting the projects in the areas where Pune Municipal Corporation is not able to provide water, road and drainage system for a while.

Be grateful to the builders of Pune for finding a creative solution of signing the water affidavit only to provide roof for your dear family.

Let us have a have a positive environment in Pune real estate market:

At this point of time, I am sure you will completely agree with Creadi Pune, it is important for property buyers to recognize the contribution of the builders in Pune and participate on a proactive and supportive basis so as to have a positive environment. Means, just ignore the suggestions of Col (retd) SG Dalvi and Satish Khot, President, National Society For Clean Cities:

List of real estate projects: Both the stakeholders, the PMC and Credai (Pune) should come together to make a list of societies that have made these affidavits. The list should be kept in the public domain, like on the PMC website. If this is done, people will at list know which societies come under this list.

Builders - Advertise and Show: Credai (Pune) should enforce members to give advertisements saying they have made water affidavits. It's imperative that builders show the affidavits to the buyers before selling flats to them.

Water Bill?: If PMC rules make it mandatory for the builders to provide water to residents, they should also mention who has to foot the water bills.

Water Tax?: If the society comes under the "water affidavit" list, the property buyers should not be liable to pay water tax.

Water tax should be refunded to all residents: A list should be released to the press and all members of such housing societies be invited to visit the PMC on Monday during the first weekly Right to information Day of the PMC.

If housing societies have not been receiving any or even adequate water, the water tax collected by PMC should be refunded to all residents. This amount, along with the fine, should be recovered from the builders and promoters.

Completely surrender to the builder. Don't ask questions. Don't bother about "water affidavits". Just like you don't bother whether the plans are sanctioned or not while booking your 2 bhk flat in any real estate project. Let us have a have a positive environment in Pune real estate market. Amen!

Good rain results in partial rollback immediately:

With good rain in the last few days, there have been constant demands from citizens to roll back the cut. The civic body could have provided the relief 10 days ago when the Khadakvasla reservoir filled to capacity and the water resources department allowed the civic body to lift the 1,000 cusecs water released in the canal in addition to that provided through the closed pipeline. Read More

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Tax holiday under section 80 IB(10) of the Income Tax Act on profits for the builders...

An interest subsidy of 1 per cent for 1 year on housing loans of up to Rs 10 lakh for properties worth less than Rs 20 lakh for the property buyer!

Builders, pass on the benefits of the Tax Holiday to the property buyers! How sweet of you Pranab!!

For Property Buyer: 1 per cent interest subsidy for 1 year!

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today announced an interest subsidy of 1 per cent for one year on housing loans of up to Rs 10 lakh for properties worth less than Rs 20 lakh, a move that has been widely welcomed by realtors and home loan companies. The measure is expected to cost the exchequer Rs 1,000 crore.

For Builders: Tax Holiday!

Mukherjee also allowed developers of housing projects a tax holiday under section 80 IB(10) of the Income Tax Act on profits from projects approved between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008, provided the projects are completed on or before March 31, 2012. Mukherjee asked developers to pass on the benefits of this tax break to consumers.

Mukherjee made these announcements in the Lok Sabha today as part of his reply to the discussion on the Finance Bill. Both houses of Parliament passed the Finance Bill 2009-10, which included a raft other concessions.To read more, please, visit - Govt to provide 1% home loan subsidy

"Ab tera kya hoga Kaalia of Hinjewadi?"

Dear Mr. Kaalia of Hinjewadi, you voted for RahulBaba in the last Lok Sabha elections. But, failed to give enough sits to form the government without the help of friendly parties.

Now, pay for your fault.

Next time, your builder will contribute to the party to buy a mandate of Indian urban and rural poor voters!

The Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) 'water affidavits' policy under which builders in fringe areas of the city were asked to provide water to their projects through tankers or borewells will be reviewed, municipal commissioner Mahesh Zagade told DNA on Monday.

Zagade has directed all the concerned departments to compile the details of the total number of water affidavits that the civic body has secured from the builders.

"Once we get these details, we shall review whether to continue with the policy of securing water affidavits from the builders. If we feel that this policy needs to be scrapped, we shall surely do so. The civic body will act in a transparent manner," Zagade said.

200 projects in Pune real estate market?

Although the civic chief refused to reveal the number of projects from where such 'water affidavits' were sought, top officials told DNA that such affidavits were obtained from nearly 200 projects in the city.

Housing projects in the eastern and other fringe areas of Pune:

This policy which was introduced in 2001 by then municipal commissioner TC Benjamin and was continued by his successors, Sanjay Kumar, Nitin Kareer and Praveensingh Pardeshi. It has led to a severe dependence on water tankers in a large number of housing societies in the eastern and other fringe areas of Pune.

'Water Affidavits' policy: Builder's responsibilty to supply water through bore wells and tankers:

Under this policy, the PMC allowed constructions in the fringe areas without providing water supply and directed builders to submit affidavits stating that they would take the responsibility of supplying water through borewells and tankers.

Although the affidavits signed by builders pledged that flat buyers would be provided a copy of the document, this was not done by most builders. The PMC also failed to make the policy public and kept the citizenry in the dark.

Thanks to the boom in information technology and real estate in Pune!

Zagade said the policy was introduced due to the boom in information technology and other sectors in Pune and the consequent high demand for housing.

"Although new housing projects started coming up, the civic body could not provide the basic amenities like water to these projects within a short span of time. Its resources are limited. It was at this juncture that the PMC started this policy of water affidavits," Zagade said.

"Under this plan, work in all societies which are dependent on tankers for water would be taken up on a priority so that the residents get water from the civic body directly. We will carry out the work of laying underground pipes in a phased manner in these societies," Zagade added. Ranjan Dasgupta - DNA

Monday, July 27, 2009

Pune's Watergate

PMC, builders must come clean

The common man in the fringe areas of Pune has suffered at the hands of the Pune Municipal corporation (PMC), which indiscriminately gave building permissions without making a provision for water supply. The PMC's "water affidavits" were dishonored by many builders who did not provide a copy of these affidavits to flat buyers. Here are some "Speak Ups":

List of real estate projects: Both the stakeholders, the PMC and Credai (Pune) should come together to make a list of societies that have made these affidavits. The list should be kept in the public domain, like on the PMC website. If this is done, people will at list know which societies come under this list.

Builders - Advertise and Show: Credai (Pune) should enforce members to give advertisements saying they have made water affidavits. It's imperative that builders show the affidavits to the buyers before selling flats to them.

Water Bill?:If PMC rules make it mandatory for the builders to provide water to residents, they should also mention who has to foot the water bills.

Water Tax?:If the society comes under the "water affidavit" list, the property buyers should not be liable to pay water tax.

2) The issue is not affecting us as we take care of this aspect - Rohit Gera, Executive Director of Gera Developments Pvt. Ltd. and Vice President (Market Study & P.R) Credai (Pune):

We sign many affidavits before we get the completion report for our projects.Every builder has to sign them.

As far as I and my company are concerned, we are not facing any problems because of the water affidavit issue since we are taking care of this aspect as far as our customers are concerned.

The PMC has adopted a wrong policy of taking affidavits from the developers to arrange for water supply. In reality, it is not possible. If the PMC is charging the tax to citizens and taking these charges from developers, it is the civic body's duty to provide water.

Developers need permission, so instead of fighting with the PMC, they just file these affidavits.

Why PMC is not lifting water from the canal...!?

Sajag Nagrik Manch president Vivek Velankar in a letter to Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Zagade has said that the water cut being implemented in the city is an artificial one as there is enough water and the citizens cannot tolerate this.

"The water resources department has clearly stated that as long as water is flowing through the canal, PMC can use it. Citizens accepted this uncertainty and are cooperating. But they fail to understand why the civic body is not lifting the water from the canal," Vivek Velankar said. Dinesh Thite - DNA

Corporator Bandu Khemse who fought legal battle blasts PMC:

"The problem of water scarcity in Ahmednagar Road area is not of a technical nature. It is the unwillingness of the civic body to address the problem. If administration decides, it can resolve the problem in a month. However, that won't happen as the administration has joined hands with the tanker lobby," says Bandu Khemse.

It was Khemse whose crusade helped end the water crisis in the Bhusari Colony.

Following his agitation, the Bombay high court ordered the PMC to provide water to the tax paying citizens in the colony for free.

Court also ordered the PMC in 2005 that if it is not able to provide tap water, it has to provide water by tanker without charging the citizens. Abhay Khairnar - DNA

Unaffected Cash flows:

All eyes are now on the government sector. Don't be surprised . SundayET has found that across major categories - real estate, consumer durables and auto - government employees are being wooed like never before. In fact, banks are also introducing special schemes to woo the sarkari brigade.

And when it comes to the real estate sector, biggies such as DLF confirm the activity from this sector. "We do not discriminate between our clients. However, there is an increase in the number of government employees as their cash flows have not been affected due to slowdown," said Rajeev Talwar, group executive director, DLF. Agrees Gaurav Bhalla, executive director of the Vatika Group. "We are seeing more people from the government sector buying as compared to earlier."

Sixth Pay Commission:

You could call this ironic for private sector employees or plain good luck for the public ones, but the fact remains that government employees have been the least impacted by the slowdown blues. They even got a huge jump in salaries after the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission last year, and a part of their arrears are due this year. To read more, please, visit - The Economic Times

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Kolhapur is more than just the home to the eponymous ‘chappal,’ macho wrestlers and the spicy mutton curry. It has over 480 foundries, is a significant textile and silver smithy centre and several industrial estates dot its outskirts.

The state government has tried to position it as an IT destination, with not much success though, and it is south Maharashtra’s educational centre. “Kolhapur is an agri-industrial town with a presence in the education sector.

The fertile region around the city is home to the dairy and sugar industry. So it is the wealthy agriculturist who wants a presence in town and drives the real estate sector here,” said Baba Patil, a former civil servant now settled in the city.

With this kind of a profile and prospective buyers, the preference is for bungalows or row houses although flats are what sell. The market for flats is derived from the industrial activity of the region. Rajiv Parikh, president, CREDAI-Kolhapur, an industry body of real estate developers and builders, says buyers in Kolhapur come from the region around it — from Belgaum in Karnataka, Goa and of course, Mumbai and Pune.

“We were affected by the slowdown from September 2008 but thankfully the economy picked up soon after because rates here had not escalated the way they did in say Mumbai. Since we did not have a very steep rise in rates, the fall also was not very great and order cancellation was under 10%. For the past four months, prices have been stable and customers are coming back,” Mr Parikh said.

Prices of flats rose around 20% prior to September, 2008, and some projects did come to a halt. Mr Parikh said, however, no new projects had begun then but the projects that had put construction activity on hold too had resumed work since April.

“Demand has begun to pick up so projects are being revived,” he explained. Added vice-president, CREDAI, Maharashtra, and Kolhapur builder, Ram Purohit, “Despite the slowdown and the exit of investors from Mumbai and Pune, properties are available at reasonable prices. A 2BHK unit of 900 sq ft costs between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh and a 1BHK unit is available between Rs 7.50 lakh and Rs 9 lakh.”

The annual addition to the city’s housing stock is around 2,000-3,000 flats and around 500 bungalows/ row houses. Builders from the region explained that the preference even of the middle-class locals is for a row house or a bungalow: the region is still not that industrialised and urbanised to go for a flat. Of course, this means that there is a category of `affordable’ row houses or bungalow projects. Mr Parikh admitted that the affordable category of housing had made its entry into Kolhapur as well, with flat sizes coming down.

However, the city is yet to witness the one-and-a-half or two-and-a-half bedroom, hall kitchen apartment (BHK) phenomenon of the metros and larger cities. Flat sizes have come down. A 2BHK flat used to be 1,000 sq ft in the affordable category, it is now perhaps 800 sq ft and cost around Rs 15 lakh. Of course, these prices depend on the locality. In the upper-end localities of the city such as Tarabai Park and Shahupuri rates range from Rs 1,800-2,000 per sq ft.

On the outskirts of the city rates hover around Rs 1,500-1,700 per sq ft,” Mr Parikh said. Mr Purohit concurred, saying prime city locations like Tarabai Park, Nagala park, Shivaji Park, Rajarampuri, where premium properties are available, have not been impacted. “Rates in these areas have remained unchanged, between Rs 1,800 and Rs 2,100 per sq ft, depending on the locational advantage,” he said.

Kolhapur is another city where the mall mania did not quite catch on. Nor did the state government’s efforts at positioning the city as an IT hub. This impacted the commercial and office space. Sales of such spaces happen at Rs 2,500-3,000 per sq ft for first and second floor spaces.Gouri Agtey Athale - The Economic Times

Film-maker Umesh Kulkani's "Vilay", dissolution of the city, is a subtle comment on changing structure of Pune:

Film-maker Umesh Kulkani, of Valu, the wild bull fame, is concerned about the diminishing heritage wadas and the changing nature of the city.

So much so, that he has expressed his angst through a medium he is best at— films. He is making a short film on old wadas called Vilay.

"I was born here and have grown up watching the many shades of the city. The heritage wadas, which were the pride of the city, are now being replaced by buildings which don't have an identity," says Umesh.

Kulkarni feels that tall buildings and the indifferent flat system are depriving city dwellers of many experiences. Read More

Pune’s civic authorities are having to fall back on history to combat water shortage.

Two tanks, dating back to the era of the Peshwas, have been opened in Shivdarshan area in Parvati, to relieve residents who are facing 40 per cent water cuts.

About four thousand people have taken water from these tanks for their daily needs excluding that of drinking.

Meanwhile, some historians and academicians had suggested in the past to relocate the system providing water to Shaniwar Wada from Katraj Lake.

But later it was found by the PMC officials that too much drainage water was mixed in the system to use it as a viable source. Therefore the idea was never taken seriously in the past. To read more, please, visit - By Devidas Deshpande - Pune Mirror

Only 5.25 TMC water in dams for drinking needs:

The irrigation department on Saturday stated that the dams which supply water to Pune have only 5.25 TMC water, which is sufficient to fulfill the city’s drinking water needs for the next six months. It added that the existing 40 per cent water cut will remain for the next few days.

The department has stated that as per the schedule, 33 per cent of the total water storage at four dams is reserved for drinking purposes, while the remaining 66 per cent is used to meet the region’s agricultural needs.

As of today, the four dams - Varasgaon, Panshet, Pavana and Khadakwasla - have 15.93 TMC (57.46%) water. Considering this storage, the dams have only 5.25 TMC of water for drinking purposes and remaining is reserved for agricultural purposes.

The irrigation department stated that it would hold a meeting with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials within the next 2 or 3 days in order to decide whether there should be a reduction in the existing 40% water cut. ETOI & TOI

Civic body has violated the provisions of BPMC Act, 1949 by transferring its mandatory duty of supplying water to citizens to the builders

According to advocate DG Sant, who represents the city consumer organisation Grahak Hitavardhini, the PMC, while granting building permissions on the strength of the affidavits from the developers/builders, has violated the BPMC Act, 1949, which has no provision whereby a municipal corporation can transfer its mandatory duty to any private party. To read more, please, visit Ritu Goyal Harish - DNA

"We spend a lot of money on water because of the PMC's slipshod work. They should not give building permissions to builders without adequate infrastructure,"

Nyati Enclave, a 288-flat housing scheme in Mohammadwadi, has a huge water problem. Since 2007, its chairman Major General (Retd) VK Madhok has been running from pillar to post to get the water scarcity issue of his society addressed by the top authorities in the Pune Municipal Corporation.

Probe panel names three zonal commissioners among those guilty

The inquiry committee set up by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to investigate the illegal dumping of debris into the river bed along the Sangamwadi-Sadalbaba Road has found 32 civic officials guilty for failing to take action.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Citizens, activists fume at the civic body for shirking its responsibility on giving water:

PMC robs citizens and rewards tanker mafia- follow up:

With the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) drawing all-round criticism from citizens and civic activists on the questionable "water affidavits", all attention is now focused on how soon the civic body acts on suspending this policy.

Action is also awaited from the PMC, as promised by city engineer Prashant Waghmare, against builders who have failed to provide a copy of the affidavits to their flat buyers or honour their commitment to provide water in their housing projects. Visit DNA to Read More

The real agenda for affordable housing has still not been brought to the table!

In his recent letter to shareholders, Deepak Parekh, Chairman, Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) said: "Affordable housing is not about box-sized, budget homes in far-flung places where there is no connectivity to workplaces and little surrounding infrastructure.

Affordable housing has to be able to cut across all income segments and has to make economic sense in terms of proximity to the workplace.

The agenda for affordable housing requires combined public-private collaboration and a strong political will to enforce change.”

According to Mr Parekh, “Developers have recognised that the real demand no longer lies in the premium segment and are, therefore, opting to build smaller, no frills apartments.” But this is a bit of a misnomer. Some correction in prices has happened; developer margins have come off; but real estate prices are still high, he added.

“Developers are now reintroducing one-bedroom apartments which seemed to have disappeared from the market. Further, with interest rate reductions, many who were earlier out-priced are now able to come back into the housing market. While these developments are positive, the real agenda for affordable housing has still not been brought to the table."

Friday, July 24, 2009

EquityBulls - one stop shop for financial services:

Ackruti City Limited (formerly known as Akruti City Limited), a real estate development company which added "c" to its name but not to it's url www.akruticity.com, has managed to publish a good news on www.EquityBulls.com, your one stop shop for financial services.

PMC robs citizens and rewards tanker mafia- follow up:

A sense of anger and deceit is unmistakable among citizens in the eastern fringes of Pune where many housing societies are chronically dependent on water tankers.

The element of deceit is apparent because the PMC never informed the public about these water affidavits and many flat owners also did not get a copy of the document as promised by their builders to the PMC.

The water affidavits also raise legal issues.

Can a municipal corporation indiscriminately give building permissions while abdicating its core responsibility of providing water?

Also, why was this policy not made public and opened to a debate?

Since the PMC admitted that it was unable to supply water to the fringe areas, what is the basis for collecting water and other development taxes from citizens in these areas? Read More

Municipal commissioner admits that PMC has failed to check water availability before issuing building permissions in the fringe areas

"The water department is issuing the no-objection certificates to builders but it is not considering the capacity of water distribution," he said reacting to DNA's expose on the "water affidavits".

He said that Pune's development was allowed in the eastern parts without providing adequate infrastructure. "Henceforth, the civic body will take note of the infrastructure before issuing the building permission," Municipal commissioner Mahesh Zagade said.

Visit DNA E-Paper Pune Main Edition - 23rd July '09:

If you are living in a water tanker-dependent housing society in the fringe areas of Pune, then you ought to know about the extraordinary and legally questionable "water affidavits" obtained by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) from the city's builders.

Although citizens in the fringe areas of Vimannagar, Wagholi, Mundhwa, Kalyaninagar and others are dutifully paying their water tax and other developmental charges to the PMC, the civic body has conveniently passed on its fundamental responsibility of providing water in these areas to the builders of housing societies.

While a majority of property owners in these societies have been kept in the dark about these affidavits, they have been brought to light by DNA with the help of some alert citizens. Read More

A large number of residents staying in water-tanker dependent housing society in the fringe areas of the city have expressed shock saying that they were kept in the dark about the Pune Municipal Corporation's "water affidavits" and were never informed of by the builder. Read More

3) 'Citizens must take the PMC to task'

Civic activist Sudhakar Velankar has come down heavily on the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for its inability to provide water to citizens. Velankar, who is also the founder of Grahak Hitavardhini, said not only the PMC has shirked its responsibility of giving water to citizens, but also the builder has not fulfilled his responsibilities as mentioned in the affidavit. Read More

Few Days Ago on Indian Real Estate Forum:

"Got to see a lot of this guy in the internet related to Pune Real Estate.. Does anyone know who is he and how genuine is this guy?"

Thanks Mr. 1001acres! You pointed out my big mistake of not writing "About Me" on my Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Market News Blog and on my other blogs. True, i knew that i must write about myself but i didn't. I kept on postponing.

This time, i decided to act immediately. I edited my Google Profile. Added names of 2 projects, Five Gardens and Aakashganga at Rahatani, and their builders, Pride Purple Group and Goel Ganga Group, under the heading of "Companies I've worked for". My ad agency's name was already there. Means, now, my professional profile is complete!

I am sure, you are not interested in my private, family life, like my girlfriends, affairs and break-ups but if you want to know about my "online life", you can read and subscribe to my FriendFeed, now, in the side column of this blog.

How genuine is Ravi Karandeekar?

"Congratulations! What a publicity!!," said Mukesh in his email informing me about the thread "Who is Ravi Karandeekar?" on Indian Real Estate Forum.

My first reaction was, "Why didn't the gentleman call me? My mobile number 91 98600 44110 is on my blog. I don't charge for the first 5 minutes. For talking about myself, for sure, I would not have charged for talking more than 5 minutes. For me, talking about Ravi Karandeekar would have been as enjoyable experience as providing free info and tips about Pune real estate market!"

However, when i visited the thread "Who is Ravi Karandeekar?" on Indian Real Estate Forum, i realized that Mr. 1001acres' real intention was to find out "how genuine is this guy?" "This guy" means me, Ravi Karandeekar. He must have thought that there was no point in asking me about my "genuineness". So he was asking the members of Indian Real Estate Forum, which is one of the best source of information and a platform for conversation about Pune real estate market.

Obviously, i am also a member of the Indian Real Estate Forum. I not only visit it quite often but recently i have started Twittering queries posted on Indian Real Estate Forum so that many more people can share their views.

As i always do on my blog, i took a part in the conversation on the thread "Who is Ravi Karandeekar?". I answered serious and honest questions or comments about me. But my long answers went to moderator and are not published yet. (Update: Now, published!) So i decided to blog my answer to the question 'How genuine is Ravi Karandeekar?'

I am sure, at some point of time, while visiting Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Market News Blog, some of you might have asked themselves the same question in different words. For example:

Should i take Ravi Karandeekar's opinion seriously?

Should i follow Ravi Karandeekar's advice about buying a property in Pune real estate market?

Should i consult Ravi Karandeekar about investing in Pune real estate market?

Informative conversation with a helpful real estate salesman:

Just imagine what would we talk if you are sitting next to me on the flight from New York to Mumbai?

Just imagine what you would have asked me if your friend would have introduced me as a real estate salesman if we would have met in the coffee shop of a Multiplex.

I consider my blog as a conversation between a real estate salesman and a property buyer on Pune real estate market. Here i share the information, collected or first hand, with the intention to start the conversation. Sometimes i put it from my angle, i express my views but it's only a conversation.

In the process, I don't expect you to think and talk like a builder, R.C.C. contractor, an architect or like a real estate salesman. And i do not "pretend" to be a property buyer, a critic or an analyst. I am honest enough to disclose my profession and keep on reminding you so you can decide how much seriously you should take me. However, i listen to you seriously. Because understnading your point of view is the main aim of my blog.

Helping to buy a property in Pune real estate market:

Even if i had not shared the news and happenings in Pune real estate market with you on this blog, i would have kept on collecting the information like i was doing for last so many years.

But the projects mentioned above in my profile under the heading ""Companies I've worked for" completely changed me. I was directly or indirectly involved in both events which are well documented on the web.

Because of these events, I realized that you, property buyers, don't need anyone to sell you property. You only need a little help to buy the property.

When i gave up my job at Aakashganga at Rahatani, i decided to stop selling and start helping you to buy the property. Decided to put to use my experience and time on Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Market News Blog.

I know well that it's very difficult for the property buyer to believe that real estate salesman can think of helping him. Because real estate salesman don't help. Only sell. All the time, real estate salesman uses power sales techniques of carrot (free white goods!) and stick (property rates to go up) to get your bookings. So i can completely understand you when you question my "genuineness". Raise doubts about my being "unbiased". Ask me on whose side i am.

Plus, i know well that it's very difficult for you to accept that anyone can do anything for you for free!

Anybody offering almost professional quality service for free only because he has a passion for the real estate is beyond imagination of lot of people though they use most of the services on the web for free!

Good news is, i am not in a hurry. You can take your own time to accept and approve. For me, this is not happening for the first time. In my career, I have played important role in changing real estate advertising and marketing in Pune.

For me, i am not doing something unusual. In fact, i believe that who else but me can bring this change to Pune real estate market! Someday, i know, all real estate salespersons in Pune real estate market will follow me and will stop selling and start helping the property buyers!

Thanks Mr. 1001acres and Indian Real Estate Forum for giving me an opportunity to talk about me, Ravi Karandeekar, the real estate salesman who has stopped selling and started helping the property buyers to buy the property in Pune real estate market. (Oh! what a byline!! Didn't i tell you that i was in advertising?)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Mr. Satish Magar, president of Credai Pune are you listening? Since you believe in "inclusive" growth, you should make a few flats in Nanded City Pune for the left-handers.

Well, we are talking about the left-handers, the silent minority. Will this silent minority continue to be suppressed by all those who are associated with the world of realty sector?

Bipinchandra Chougule of Pune based organisation for southpaws Associations of left-handers says that they have not came across any builder who make even little changes so that left-handers live peacefully.

Monday, July 13, 2009

300 to 750 sq.ft. flat for Rs. 5 to 15 lakhs!

Re blogging old link posted in the comment just to remind you. (and the builder!)

Twist of life!

Krome is planning to construct a 425 apartment complex spread over 400 acres in Vishrantwadi, which is a 20-minute drive from Koregaon Park a posh Pune locality.

The project by Krome Builders, promoters of Citrona at Undri next to Bishops School, will be launched in August and bookings start in the same month.

While the rates in Vishrantwadi are between Rs 2,800-3,500 per sq ft, Krome is offering flats at Rs 1,500-2,000 per sq ft.

This means a flat measuring 300 to 750 sq ft will cost you anywhere between Rs 5 to 15 lakh. The project will be launched in August and bookings start in the same month.To read more, please, visit - Flat 50% Discount

Friday, July 10, 2009

After hearing the pleas, the forum held that the interest rate of any old loanee would be lowered to bring it at par with the interest rate at which the loan is advanced by the bank to its new customers

(Thanks Abhijeet for the link!) Deciding a complaint filed by Panchkula resident Birbhan Goyal, the consumer forum held on Tuesday that enhancement in the rate of interest in case of home loan is illegal and unwarranted.

Imposing a penalty of Rs one lakh, which the bank will pay to Goyal, the forum said, ‘The bank is directed to overhaul accounts of all its loanees and bring the rate of interest at par with those at which the loan (home) is advanced to new customers from time to time, so that all its customers, whether old or new, who have opted for adjustable rate of interest pay the same rate of interest during any particular period.’

Stating that the finance company and the bank adopted unfair trade practice, the forum, headed by Jagroop Singh Mahal, held, ‘Whenever enhancement takes place, the rate would not be more than that at which loans are being advanced to new customers, meaning thereby that if after enhancement, loan is advanced to any new customer at a lower rate, the rate of interest of the complainant and all other loanees would also come down to the same level.’ To read more, please, visit - The Times of India

Monday, July 6, 2009

Requesting all of you who came from 2,229 cities and visited Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Market News Blog 78,488 times and read 1,58,724 pages in the first half of 2009

Is it the right time to buy property in Pune?

Is it the right property price?

Right time and right property rate were your most important questions in the first six months of 2009 and are going to remain important to you in the second half too.

You will always like to find out "Will the rates go down further?" and "What appreciation can i expect if i invest in this property today?" and you are going to remain curious about the reputation and reliability of the builder and would like to read about it.

However, in the first half of 2009, two important developments took place. First, those of you who were convinced that i provide information about right time to invest and the right property rate, started subscribing to my Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Market News Blog or joined my Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Blog (Google) Group or preferred to Google "Ravi Karandeekar".

Second, you started calling me on my mobile 91 98600 44110 and wrote to me (ravikarandeekarsblogs@gmail.com) your specific questions. Your suggestions about the particular project, location or builder helped me to right useful information. Screen shots of Google Analytics posted on this blog are proofs of your contribution in making Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Market News Blog a useful and reliable source of information for the property buyers spread all over the world.

You know that, this is just the beginning, i have to go deep, provide more in depth analysis and exclusive information which will help you to make a more profitable investment decision and select a right home for your family. I am very much sure that i will be able to do it because you will keep on writing or calling me, and even chatting on Google Talk(RaviKarandeekarsBlogs) with me, to tell what you want to know about Pune real estate and keep on guiding me to write more useful information. Right? So, looking forward to hear more from you!

Out of 78,488, obviously, maximum visits, 23,281 are from Pune. Means 55,207 visits, more than double from Pune, were from "out of Pune property buyers" who wish to invest in Pune real estate market.

Am i sounding like "Look, my blog is world famous!!". No, on the contrary, i am very proud of my Pune visitors and very much thankful to them.

Thanks a lot, all Pune visitors for helping a lot in making Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Market News Blog more useful and authentic. You gave important tips, added your observations and provided your experiences which added a lot of value to this conversation and made it more reliable for "out of Pune visitors." Your honest and some times rude comments about me, property rates and locations were always reasonable expectations from the real estate industry. I am sure, you will keep on contributing more in the second half of 2009. Thanks, once again!

Top Content on Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Market News Blog - 3,428 pages were viewed a total of 158,724 times from 1st of January to 30th of June 2009:

Besides the home page, url of Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Real Estate Market News Blog (http://ravikarandeekarsblog.blogspot.com/), and my posts on property rates in Pune, you were interested in the certain builders and projects in the first half of 2009.

However, more than the brand value of the projects like Blue Ridge Hinjewadi or Nanded City Pune and the popularity of a builder, for example D S Kulkarni Developers (DSK) and Darode-Jog, property price of the on going projects, cancellations of the bookings and new low budget offers (Amanora Trendy Homes!) were more important to you.

Is Ravi Karandeekar unbiased?

You know, i make it a point to tell you that i am real estate salesman and i write this blog, provide free information, to help you to book a flat in Pune real estate market.

Some of you don't believe that i am not paid by the builder to write about their project or i am not a real estate agent and raise the question about "unbiased" view. Considering the fact that i am the pioneer Pune real estate blogger, this is an obvious concern.

Since, i value transparency in our conversation, i make it a point to tell you that i am not an activist, property buyer or a builder but a real estate salesman who has his own version of the truth ( for example , about rising property rates) and sometimes, i present story from my angle (Nanded City Pune should not have reduced the property rate to Rs. 2,500!).

My intention is to help you to buy, choose a right property for your home, in Pune real estate market and not to promote or advertise any project or a builder. Of course, i have my personal favorites (like Tanaji Malusare City at Karjat) which are based on principals and not because of my relations (good example is Mr. Satish Magar! I admire him for his Farmers Direct Investment.)

In your decision to buy a home for your family, i know that my role is very limited and i don't intend to cross the line without your permission and knowledge. So, be sure that if i decide to promote a housing project, i will declare it upfront.

I thank you for your appreciation and request you to contribute in this conversation in the second half of 2009!